Pages

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Photos: Suicide Machines-Secret Show at AAA-Riot Fest 2011




Suicide Machines killed it last night at a secret, late night, after show at the AAA Warehouse in Chicago.  It was great to hear lead singer, Jason Navarro, expound on being a dad now.  His own next gen of punk kin already love The Ramones.    He may be somebody's parents now, but he's still a skater and an old school Detroit punk at heart.  And Suicide Machine's high energy, political ska/punk had everyone skankin' like 1991 all over again.


The crowd was stage diving and screaming along, even when an inebriated Navarro forgot some of their songs they haven't played out in 15 years and improvised.    The drummer and bass player exchanged a few quizzical looks and mouthed expletives, but didn't miss a beat and went with it, for some sweet, improvised mayhem.    The band played their landmark LP, Destruction by Definition (more or less) in it's entirety, then branched out into Black Flag covers and requests for more of their originals.  

We can't wait to see them again tonight at Congress Theater where they open for The Descendents.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band-Congress Theater-Riot Fest 2011




Rock N Roll Redemption For All Seasons With The Reverend Peyton

Our summer was bookended by rockin' sets by Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band.    We first shot them Memorial Day weekend when we did press coverage for Summer Camp Music Festival.    Those gorgeous, spring, outdoor shots can be seen HERE.

Then we caught them again for a fall appearance at The Congress Theatre, where they opened for Social Distortion as part of Riot Fest 2011  The aging, crumbling theatre was darker, and so was the crowd...despite the amazing, warm weather and riot of autumn color outside.    The Rev. and his wife again got the audience well warmed up with some wild riffs, the flaming washboard, and hot guitar and drums.


Social Distortion at The Congress Theater-Riot Fest 2011




Despite some poor audio and lighting choices that made for a subpar show, Social Distortion got the crowd going.   We were hoping for some harder hitting set choices, rather than the "frat boy" punk we were served up, but thanks to Groupon and half price tickets, there was a capacity crowd at The Congress, and the energy was palpable.   

We're hoping tonight that the lighting is fixed and no longer blasts the center of the floor audience with a blinding white spotlight for long periods of time.    That kind of harsh light is annoying in short pans and completely inhumane for the bulk of a show.    The guy next to me had his sunglasses on the whole night, and I'm seriously considering doing the same.   

You'd think they'd get a clue when a wide swath down the whole center of the audience has their hands over their eyes and can't even see the show for being blinded.  Miserable!  The audio was poorly mixed and left a lot to be desired as well.  We'll be back for more the next 3 nights, so hopefully Riot Fest can pull it together with the technical difficulties and do the remaining bands justice.   

Otherwise, we may just head straight over to the alternate venues like Bottom Lounge, Cobra Lounge, Double Door & AAA.   They get it right with the sound, and the light shows, if not spectacular, are at least aimed at the bands and not the crowd, so you can see and hear who you came for.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

X LIVE at Bottom Lounge 10-5-11



It was a rare pleasure to see in a relatively small venue.    We've seen them at Double Door and Metro in recent years, and they always impress.   Bottom Lounge hosted an avid and enthusiastic crowd for the sold out show, which kicked off the first night of Riot Fest 2011.



First , the crowd was treated to a Film Screening of “X:The Unheard Music”.   Then around 9:45, the real band took the stage to perform their album, “Los Angeles” in its entirety.



Then they continued the show with many more of their timeless hits.    Here's the set list:






Monday, September 26, 2011

Jane's Addiction One For The Books at The Metro 9-25-11

Energy and emotions ran high last night, and in a strange deja vu, Jane's Addiction at The Metro is once again one for the books. It was pure, visceral pleasure to see the boys back together again (with the addition of Chris Chaney on bass) playing the best of their old favorites and amazing new material. The thirteen song set ended all too soon, and left fans hungry for more. But it was quality over quantity. And Jane's Addiction's still got it.    

They opened strong with Whores and gave the crowd a little tease with dancers.   Then they went into a tight Just Because, Ain't No Right, and Then She Did.   The crowd was right there with them on Stealing, Lies, and Ocean. Then the haunting 3 Days took things up a level.   

So many times new material takes a while to seep into the collective unconscious, and fans endure it while waiting for more well loved favorites they have a history with. That is just not the case with Irresistible Force, which is quickly living up to it's name. The energy stayed up and the crowd loved it. Idiots, had the audience screaming and dancing. Mountain was poignant and amazing. Stop had the whole floor of Metro teeming, writhing and crushing against the stage. Jane Says rounded out the strong set and capped off an entirely memorable show.    

There's such a different vibe when a well loved band plays an intimate venue versus an arena show, and Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro in particular, made the most of the space and interacted liberally with the audience. Many male and female admirers took the opportunity to get hands on with the boys in the band. It's impressive to me that Perry's over 50 and can still pull off that frenetic energy and crackling sexuality he had over 20 years ago in the 80's. Of course, the gorgeous, soft-core bondage dancers didn't hurt any either, for stirring up the crowd.   

Jane's Addiction still exudes that androgynous, sensual alt rock miasma that makes the darkest lyrics sexy, and has captivated audiences for decades. This show truly came across as a thank you to the fans. Amid the rock star posturing and showmanship, a good dose of genuine gratitude, and affection for the fans came through. As Perry shared red wine and chocolates with fans and Dave crouched at the edge of the stage and serenaded individuals in the front row, the audience/ band rapport was elevated from one night stand to long term romance. And with a 20+ year history, even an off again on again history, maybe that's just what it is.

Local Chicago band, Apteka, and Boys from Denver opened. Boys claimed their hard won spot as openers by nailing a national OurStage.com unsigned bands competition.

Google Analytics